What To Expect
First of all, it’s fun and interesting for all ages or there wouldn’t be much point. Classes are held in a relaxed and supportive environment.
All classes start with a warm up to safely prepare the body for exercise. For children this is usually in the form of a game as its more fun, gets then interacting with each other and building friendships (which is especially good for new members).
This is followed by stretching, as flexibility is not only useful for kicking, but a supple flexible body is also less prone to injury.
Karate is among other things a study of efficient body mechanics/structures, breathing, balance, awareness and realistic tactics. Therefore basic movements are practiced to allow the student to learn them until they simply become automatic (no time to think when under pressure).
Other aspects will be regularly practiced such as pre-arranged sparring, kata (forms/patterns), self-defence techniques (pressure points, locks, takedowns, escapes, etc) and street psychology (target hardening, de-escalation, setting up for pre-emptive strike). This will however vary from class to class.
Children will not be taught the more dangerous techniques for safety reasons.
The children’s class normally ends with a game as well it helps them to stay focused when they know they have a fun game to look forward too.